The Visionary Leaders Inspiring the World Dec2024

1. www.ciolookindia.com LOOK I N D I A Vol 12 | Issue 03 | 2024 Building a Sustainable Future: ESG Strategies for Long-Term Growth Cultivating a Culture of Innovation: Unleashing Employee Creativity T h e Visionary Leade? Inspiring World the Sumit Chandna Chief Operating Officer Evolve Brands Pvt Ltd SUMIT CHANDNA Redefining India’s Operations-powered and Innovation-driven Future with Evolve Brands-boosted LoyaltyTech Solutions

2. T h e Visionary Leade? Inspiring World the

4. Editor's Note

5. LIGHTING UP THE WAY FOR A BRIGHTER TOMORROW I n a world undergoing rapid change, visionary leaders act as the foundational pillars of moving forward and reformation. As trailblazers, they contain a unique marriage of foresight, innovation, and resilience-all of which enjoin them in inspiring others in meaningful change towards diverse spheres. ‘The Visionary Leaders Inspiring the World,’ of CIOLook India, not only breaks or crosses conventional limits but also modifies industries, society, and psychology with bold and unwavering determination. Empathy and inclusivity are just as fundamental to visionary leadership. They realize that meaningful progress comes from collaboration and shared purpose. By valuing diverse perspectives and championing equity, they create environments where people feel heard, respected, and motivated to excel. Their ability to inspire trust and build cohesive teams amplifies their impact, ensuring their vision becomes a reality. Visionary leaders are also tenacious. This ability to respond to adversity does not mean succumbing to circumstances but rather having the strength of character to take on challenges while being agile, determined, and steadfast in responding to adversity; their ability to navigate uncertainties will always be inspirational to others regarding perseverance in reaching progress. At the center of visionary leaders is a rich ability to be able to transcend the present, knowing the global challenges as well as global opportunities and also having an intuitive sense of imagining a future for others that can be considered unimaginable. It allows them to gain clarity of vision that guides them in their actions and decisions, as well as motivate hope for their teams and communities. Such a complex world calls for visionary leaders. They light up the way for a brighter tomorrow with determination, innovation, and compassion proving transformation possible and inevitable. They inspire one and all of us to dream bigger, work harder, and believe in the infinite possibilities of human nature as they lead with purpose and passion. This defines a visionary leader's commitment to innovation: challenging status quo, innovating to create breakthrough solutions that contribute toward solving great challenges and make a difference in lives. Innovative techniques break through with advancements in technologies, sustainability, health care, and more, thereby inspiring creative curiosity in their fellow citizens, and making a better life achievable by encouraging and guiding them towards achieving meaningful, collective goals. - Gaurav PR Wankhade Managing Editor

6. Cover Story 08 SUMIT CHANDNA Redening India’s Operations-powered and Innovation-driven Future with Evolve Brands-boosted LoyaltyTech Solutions

7. T Profile 22 Guiding Stars and Glorious Fates : Pandit Sarvadanand Sharma's Successful Astrological Journey N E T Articles 18 Building a Sustainable Future 26 Unleashing Employee Creativity Cultivating a Culture of Innovation N O ESG Strategies for Long-Term Growth C

8. FOLLOW US ON www.x.com/ciolookindia www.facebook.com/ciolookindia/ LOOK I N D I A www.ciolookindia.com WE ARE ALSO AVAILABLE ON Abhishek Joshi Editor-in-Chief CONTENT Managing Editor: Gaurav PR Wankhade Assisting Editor : Prajakta Zurale CONTACT US ON Email sales@ciolookindia.com For Subscription www.ciolookindia.com DESIGN Visualizer: Sandeep Tikode Art & Design Director: Rahul Shinde Art & Design Editor : Sarita Bhagat Sr.Graphic Designer : Nagaraj Patil, Satish Garde Copyright © 2024 CIOLOOK India, All rights reserved. The content and images used in this magazine should not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without prior permission from CIOLOOK India. Reprint rights remain solely with CIOLOOK India. SALES Vice President : Swapnali Vasaikar Asst. Vice President : Tejaswini Whaval Sr. Team Leader : Suraj Gadekar BDE : Bhagyshri Bhandwalkar TECHNICAL Technical Head : Prachi Mokashi Technical Specialist: Rajeshwari Avhad Technical Consultant : Tanaji Fartade sales@ciolookindia.com December, 2024 SME-SMO Research Analyst : Sagar Lahigade SEO Lead : Prashant Rathod Cover Price: Rs.300/-

9. T h e Visionary Leade? Inspiring World the Featuring Organization Description Karan Mehta, Co-founder & CPGO, Product & Growth Toprankers EdTech Solutions Karan Mehta is the Co-founder & CPGO, Product & Growth at Top Rankers EdTech Solutions. Pandit Sarvadanand Sharma, Vedic Astrologer and Founder Pd. Sarvadanad Sharma is a renowned experience Astrologer who has more than 45+ Years of experience in Astrology, Vedic Astrology, Numerology, Vastu Shastra, etc. Jyotish Ratan Kendra Ravikant Agrawal is the Director of Growth at Polygon Labs, focusing on digital identity and ecosystem growth. Ravikant Agrawal, Director of Growth Polygon Labs Rupam, the Product Head at Edelweiss, is a digital technology enthusiast and product evangelist with dynamic personality who's striving hard to develop cutting edge technology products suited for current banking needs. Rupam Mazumder, Product Head Edelweiss Financial Services Limited As the Chief Operating Officer (COO) at Evolve Brands, a leading loyalty program management company, Sumit is driven to create innovative solutions that maximize customer engagement and drive sustainable growth. Sumit Chandna, Chief Operating Officer (COO) Evolve Brands Pvt Ltd

10. COVER STORY Sumit CHANDNA Redefining India’s Operations-powered and Innovation-driven Future with Evolve Brands-boosted LoyaltyTech Solutions “ “ My journey into the loyalty domain began 18 years ago, entirely serendipitously.

11. Sumit Chandna Chief Operating Officer Evolve Brands Pvt Ltd

12. F cause. Luck is that serendipitous moment in time where all your goodness brings you cosmic goodwill that influences your destiny in the most positive way, shaping your future in the bestest of luck forever. Sumit sir, as an influential COO in this industry, could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to step into this dynamic ecosystem? ortune favours those who are hardworking, have patience, are perseverant, resolute, self-believers, and passionately loyal to every and any humane My journey into the loyalty domain began 18 years ago, entirely serendipitously. Without any prior experience in this field, a mutual client introduced me to Harish Motwani. His passion for the loyalty industry and his belief in the potential of a customer-centric ecosystem inspired me to join the organization. From that moment, I knew I wanted to be part of something that would meaningfully shape customer relationships and loyalty strategies. A Science graduate and a postgraduate in MBA (Marketing), Sumit Chandna never thought that he would be part of something grand like loyalty rewards company–until, by his good luck, he met Harish Motwani, the visionary CEO & Co-founder of the company. Evolve Brands Pvt Ltd –a Instantly, Sumit, a complete Bollywood buff and a cricket enthusiast found himself on the pedestal of a roller-coaster career as Evolve Brands’ Chief Operating Officer and one of the visionary leaders inspiring the world, shaping the future of how brands perceived and implemented Loyalty with its key stakeholders in the value chain. We are undergoing a significant transformation from a loyalty services company to a LoyaltyTECH company. This shift aims to empower our clients and organizations by leveraging a robust technology platform. By adopting this approach, we are reducing the go-to-market time for our programs, optimization of multiple sales related processes and minimizing the distance and time travelled to achieve this journey, through a more streamlined and reliable system, and leading to enhanced overall operational efficiency. A hardcore agency professional, Sumit was the Head of Client Servicing and Operations at Megaron, an event agency later acquired by MCI and with Solutions Integrated, a leading integrated marketing company, prior to Evolve Brands. Adept at a solution-centric approach and well-versed in consulting a business, Sumit’s love, compassion, commitment, and responsiveness towards his team, customers, and vendors are well-known and widely appreciated by everyone. This transformation allows us to provide faster, more accurate, and scalable solutions, ensuring our clients achieve their goals more easily and precisely. It also strengthens our ability to innovate and stay ahead of the curve, positioning us as a leader in delivering technology-driven loyalty solutions that drive real impact. In Sumit’s words, “I'm passionate about redefining the way businesses approach loyalty program management, and as the COO at Evolve Brands, a leading loyalty-tech company, I am driven to create innovative solutions that maximize customer engagement and drive sustainable growth for them.” A 15-year experienced loyalty landscape specialist, Sumit is honed in loyalty program design, data analytics, and strategic planning. His dedication to rewards experience optimization took him to work along with diverse firms, home grown brands as well as fast-paced Fortune 500 companies, all of which drove to their excellence because of Sumit’s outstanding operational leadership. Let us get a visual of his enthralling saga from himself in this exclusive interview with CIOLook India.

13. The Visionary Leaders Inspiring the World to tailor-made solutions has positioned us as a transformational partner for our clients. Our ability to deliver exceptional results while maintaining a focused, boutique setup sets us apart and reinforces our reputation as a leader in the loyalty domain. Sir, your influential leadership style is often recognized as a driving force behind Evolve Brands' achievements. Could you shed light on your approach to leadership and team building within the organization? I have been fortunate to be mentored and groomed by Harish Motwani, our beloved CEO. The philosophy imbibed in me is to remain fair and transparent with all stakeholders—whether it’s our clients, employees, or vendor partners. I firmly believe in putting my best efforts into understanding any problem statement and delivering the most effective solution based on my experience in the domain and ensuring my team delivers superlative results. Evolve Brands has emerged as India's leading company in the LoyaltyTech niche. Could you share the guiding philosophy that has propelled your organization's success? My leadership style is anchored in the principles of Unlearning, Learning, Affection to work, Transparency, Accountability, and Adding Value. To grow as a leader, one must continuously unlearn outdated practices and embrace new ideas and methodologies. At the same time, cultivating affection for one’s work fosters passion and drives excellence. Our guiding philosophy is straightforward: we strive to be genuine consultants to our clients. Leveraging our deep expertise in the loyalty domain, we focus on guiding brands toward solutions that align with their objectives and address their unique challenges. By staying true to this approach, we ensure that our recommendations are both impactful and relevant, ultimately fostering long-term success for our clients. Transparency and accountability build trust within the organization, while a constant focus on adding value ensures that every effort contributes meaningfully to both individual and organizational growth. This approach not only motivates the team but also enables us to deliver transformative results for our clients and stakeholders. “ The industrial landscape is continually evolving. Please brief our audience about Evolve Brands’ USPs and how you are currently positioned as one of the best transformational companies in its sector. “ Our unique strength lies in the extensive experience we bring to the table, paired with the flexibility to adapt to client-specific needs. This enables us to deliver truly customized and impactful loyalty solutions. Unlike organizations that aim to cater to many, we focus on working with a select few clients and making their journeys - the very best. This philosophy underscores our boutique loyalty services model, where quality and precision take precedence over quantity and volume of work we deliver. At Evolve Brands, we are undergoing a significant transformation from a loyalty services company to a LoyaltyTECH company. Today, we hold a leadership position as India's foremost loyalty program management company. This blend of specialization, deep industry expertise, and a commitment

14. The essence of operations lies in innovation, disruptions, and enhancing the end-user experience. How does your company strike a balance between operational efficiency and customer satisfaction? often explore innovative approaches when the client is open to experimentation. This flexibility allows us to stay at the forefront of digitalization and technological advancement, pushing us to create solutions that are both cutting-edge and aligned with the evolving needs of our clients. By integrating these principles into our core operations, we contribute to a 'technovative' future in loyalty program management. Our primary focus is always on addressing the client’s requirements effectively; innovation follows naturally when it adds real value. We understand that not every program requires innovation, as some clients and brand managers may be cautious about change, fearing potential disruptions. At Evolve Brands, we prioritize operational efficiency to ensure seamless program execution. This focus on reliability and excellence enables us to deliver satisfaction both to our clients and their customers, ultimately enhancing Evolve Brands’ customer satisfaction levels. The workforce is the cornerstone of any successful organization. How does Evolve Brands foster a culture of growth, skill development, and empowerment among its employees? Our industry is highly specialized, and finding trained professionals is challenging. To address this, we focus on training, mentoring, and grooming talent within our company. We encourage our core team members to enhance their skills through various online workshops and training programs. Within our team, we have numerous success stories of individuals—from MIS professionals to call centre agents—who have been nurtured and developed to take on independent client servicing roles. These examples stand as a testament to our commitment to fostering growth, skill development, and empowerment among our employees. Digitalization and technological advancements are crucial aspects of the modern industrial ecosystem. How does your company integrate these principles into its core functioning and contribute to a technovative future? We embrace new ideas, technologies, and innovations, continuously seeking ways to improve our offerings. Our commitment to providing tailored solutions means that we The loyalty industry often faces complex challenges, such as fraud detection and customer retention. How does your company navigate these challenges while maintaining trust and delivering value? At Evolve Brands, we have a comprehensive approach to tackling challenges like fraud and customer churn. By utilizing advanced anomaly detection techniques, we can identify suspicious activity early and prevent fraudulent claims, which protects the integrity of our programs. Additionally, we focus on building strong, transparent relationships with our clients by continuously evolving our solutions based on feedback and data insights, ensuring that customer retention remains at the forefront of our strategies. Needless to say, this is a constantly evolving process and daily evolution is happening in this area. “ “ Our ability to deliver exceptional results while maintaining a focused, boutique setup sets us apart and reinforces our reputation as a leader in the loyalty domain. How do you stay ahead of industry trends and ensure your solutions remain innovative and relevant in a fast-paced, tech-driven landscape? We invest heavily in research and development to ensure that our solutions remain ahead of the curve. By actively engaging with industry thought leaders, attending global

15. “ “ conferences, and collaborating with tech innovators, we remain plugged into emerging trends. This proactive approach allows us to implement cutting-edge technologies like machine learning and blockchain where appropriate, ensuring that our offerings remain relevant, efficient, and impactful in a fast-evolving tech landscape. As we continue to grow, our focus will remain on using cutting-edge technology and creative solutions to contribute meaningfully to India’s operations-powered, innovation-driven future. What sets Evolve Brands apart from others in the loyalty domain, and how do you ensure that you continuously evolve to stay relevant? Our focus on delivering highly customized, results-driven loyalty solutions is what truly sets us apart. While many in the industry offer one-size-fits-all programs, we take the time to deeply understand each client's unique challenges and goals, allowing us to design bespoke programs that generate measurable results. At Evolve Brands, we have fully embraced this transition by prioritizing mobile-first solutions. Our app-based loyalty platforms are designed to meet the demands of today’s digital-savvy customers. We leverage mobile technology to facilitate instant feedback, personalized notifications, gamification elements, and even geo-targeted offers to drive deeper engagement. These solutions not only make participation effortless but also allow our clients to gather valuable data and insights into customer behavior, helping them refine their strategies. We continuously evolve by embracing new technologies, keeping a pulse on customer behavior trends, and fostering a culture of continuous learning within our team. Delivering a loyalty program many can do, but conceptualizing, implementing a loyalty as a mission and last forever in changing landscapes and mindsets is something we believe in doing. Moreover, the mobile ecosystem enables us to build more robust relationship management practices. By integrating features such as family profiles, shared rewards, and exclusive in-app engagement activities, we extend the value of loyalty programs beyond the individual members to their families. This holistic approach creates stronger emotional bonds with the brand, which translates into increased wallet share and long-term loyalty. How has the shift to mobile platforms and apps impacted loyalty programs, and how is your company adapting to this change? The shift to mobile platforms has been a game-changer for loyalty programs, significantly enhancing accessibility and convenience for customers. In the traditional, non-mobile ecosystem, loyalty programs relied heavily on physical mediums such as membership cards, printed statements, and desktop-based platforms. These systems often had limited engagement due to restricted access, delayed updates, and minimal personalization. Customers needed to remember their membership numbers, visit specific locations to redeem rewards or log in via desktops, which hindered real-time interactions and seamless experiences. In summary, while the non-mobile ecosystem focused on static, delayed, and less interactive experiences, the mobile- first approach has transformed loyalty programs into dynamic, real-time engagement platforms. At Evolve Brands, we are leading this evolution by continually innovating our mobile offerings to ensure seamless, personalized, and impactful experiences for both our clients and their customers. In the rapidly evolving loyalty domain, how do you see the role of data and personalization shaping the future of customer engagement? In contrast, the mobile ecosystem has revolutionized how customers engage with loyalty programs. Mobile platforms provide instant access to rewards, real-time tracking of points, and one-touch redemption, all from the convenience of a smartphone. The integration of push notifications, location- based offers, and AI-powered personalization enables brands to connect with customers in real-time, offering timely and relevant interactions that were not possible in the non-mobile setup. This shift has elevated the role of loyalty programs from transactional to deeply engaging and customer-centric. As customer expectations continue to evolve, data-driven personalization has become a key pillar in loyalty programs. We harness the power of data to understand customer behavior, preferences and needs deeply. By integrating advanced analytics and AI, we craft hyper- targeted experiences that not only drive engagement but also build long-term loyalty. Our approach ensures that

16. every interaction with the brand feels meaningful and tailored, which is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge in today’s marketplace. and dynamically adjusting offers based on real-time customer data. Businesses are a way for the Indian industry to pace up its economic potential and capacity. What would be your advice to other budding entrepreneurs who aspire to venture into the tech space? Beyond personalization, relationship management plays a pivotal role in creating deeper connections with customers. At Evolve Brands, we emphasize profiling each member not just for transactional behaviour but also to understand their emotional triggers and preferences. This allows us to design delight and engagement activities that cater not only to the individual but extend to their family members as well. By engaging the member’s family, we aim to build mindshare and heart-share, ensuring that the brand occupies a meaningful space in their lives. My advice to budding entrepreneurs entering the tech space is to embrace the journey as a never-ending learning curve. Continuous learning and implementation of new, innovative ideas are essential. Focus on developing solutions that not only address the problem but also leverage automation to enhance performance and cost efficiency. By prioritizing these elements, entrepreneurs can drive sustainable growth and make a meaningful impact in the tech industry. This comprehensive approach transforms loyalty from a mere rewards program into a holistic engagement strategy. It helps brands achieve a larger wallet share while fostering emotional attachment. By combining data-driven insights with thoughtful relationship management, we enable brands to deliver personalized and memorable experiences that go beyond expectations, solidifying their place in the customer’s life for years to come. Looking ahead, what is your vision for Evolve Brands? How do you aspire to continue making a significant impact on India's transformational operations-powered innovative future landscape? My vision for the company is to consistently deliver exceptional value to all our stakeholders. By increasingly adopting technology as it evolves, leveraging automation tools and fostering innovation, we aim to exceed client expectations and drive transformative results. As we continue to grow, our focus will remain on using cutting- edge technology and creative solutions to contribute meaningfully to India’s operations-powered, innovation- driven future. As a leader in the loyalty domain, how do you envision the role of AI and machine learning in the future of customer loyalty programs? AI and machine learning are already revolutionizing loyalty programs, enabling businesses to anticipate customer needs, predict behaviours, and create highly personalized experiences. We are exploring the use of predictive analytics to enhance our clients' decision-making, and we see a future where AI plays a key role in automating customer interactions, optimizing rewards structures,

18. In matters of style, swim with the current; in matters of principle, stand like a rock.

20. ESG for Strategies Long -Term Growth O C I S A • L L • G A T O N V E ER M N N A O R I V N E • E C N A N R E V O G • L A I C O S N C W strategies into business increasingly benefits businesses. They are no longer about mere compliance or the development and reinforcement of reputation. E • hile unprecedented environmental and social challenges plague the world, integrating Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) E N V IR O It is at their core - these are some basic ingredients that would guarantee sustainability and growth would last. Aligning the corporate goals with ESG principles will drive corporate innovation, foster stakeholder trust, and build resilient operations in the face of intractable passage of time. N M E N TA L • S O C IA L • G O V ER N A N C Understanding ESG: A Comprehensive Approach to Sustainability ESG strategies include three major pillars: Environmental: This pillar focuses on minimizing the ecological footprint of business activities. Companies are taking measures such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving resources, and embracing renewable energy. In doing so, businesses contribute to combating climate change while reducing operational costs. 18 | www.ciolookindia.com December, 2024 • L A T N E M N O R I V E N E •

21. Building a Future Sustainable Social: Social aspects emphasize a company's responsibility toward its employees, customers, and the larger community. This includes developing diversity and inclusion, fair labor practices, and contributing to community development. A strong social focus enhances brand loyalty and attracts top talent. structures, and a commitment to anti-corruption measures. A strong form of governance brings investor confidence and reduces regulatory non-compliance risks. The Business Case for ESG Integration ESG strategies are not just for good; they help achieve hard outcomes that fuel long-term success. Studies have indicated that companies with strong ESG structures outperform their peers both financially and operationally. Governance: Good governance is transparent and ethical in the choice taken and ensures responsibility. Good governance has solid risk management practices, equitable leadership 19 | www.ciolookindia.com December, 2024

22. Leverage Technology: Use advanced technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain to enhance ESG initiatives. For instance, AI can optimize resource usage, while blockchain ensures transparency in supply chain practices. Here's how ESG leads to sustainable success: Better Risk Management: Businesses that incorporate ESG factors can better anticipate and manage them in terms of complying with new regulatory changes or anticipating potential disruption. Risk management prevents potential liabilities. Regular Reporting and Transparency: Publish periodic ESG reports to communicate both progress and challenges. Transparency brings trust and strengthens relationships with various stakeholders. Investor Attraction: Investors are increasingly being attracted by ESG factors. ESG is a good foundation for the attraction of more diversified investors with interests in sustainability and long-term stability. Obstacles in ESG Implementation As much as integration of ESG has its positive impacts, challenges are not wanting. Businesses tend to face many challenges such as: Innovation and Efficiency: ESG forces companies to innovate in the production of sustainable products and processes. For example, converting to energy-efficient operations not only reduces environmental degradation but also reduces costs. Balancing Short-Term Costs with Long-Term Benefits: ESG initiatives require significant upfront investment, which creates a challenge to organizations focused on short-term benefits. Consumer Trust and Brand Value: Consumers today are more social and environmental conscious as ever. Firms embracing a real concern for ESG aspects establish higher practices with their customers, improving brand name reputation and loyalty. Data Gathering and Processing: Obtaining accurate and complete data for ESG metrics is highly complex, particularly for large multinationals. Social Responsibility and Ethics in the Workplace: An emphasis on social responsibility and ethical practices makes for an easy workplace that leads to increased employee engagement and retention. A growing number of prolific professionals prefer organizations that will highlight their ESG agenda. Regulatory Uncertainty: The lack of standard ESG regulations across industries and geographies complicates compliance. Overcoming these hurdles requires a proactive mindset, cross-functional cooperation, and continuous improvement. Companies need to systematically integrate ESG into building a sustainable future. Here are the key steps to successful implementation: The Path Ahead Building a sustainable future requires concerted effort from the corporate world, government, and the greater society. Firms embracing ESG strategies contribute to a better world, but it is also where long-term success can be realized through addressing the issues of environmental degradation, social inequality, and effective governance practice as a value-generating entity above mere financial performance. Set Clear Goals and Metrics: Establish measurable ESG objectives that align with the company's mission and values. Track progress and demonstrate accountability using KPIs. Engage Stakeholders: Collaboration is critical for ESG success. Engage employees, investors, customers, and community leaders to gather insights and foster collective action. The years ahead will only see more emphasis on ESG as stakeholders demand accountability and action. Business leaders who adapt to this change will emerge as leaders, driving innovation and shaping a sustainable, equitable future for all. It is time to act—for the benefit of both the planet and prosperity. Embed ESG into Core Operations: Incorporate ESG considerations into every business operation, from supply chain management to product development. Sustainability should be the guiding principle and not an afterthought. 20 | www.ciolookindia.com December, 2024

24. Guiding Stars and Glorious Fates : Pandit Sarvadanand Sharma's SUCCESSFUL ASTROLOGICAL JOURNEY Pandit Sarvadanand Sharma Vedic Astrologer and Founder Jyotish Ratan Kendra 22 | www.ciolookindia.com December, 2024

25. The Visionary Leaders Inspiring the World T he celestial entities of our Milky Way galaxy, the Sun, the Moon, and all the other planets, are not only engaged in a cosmic dance of eternity pulling and pushing each other, but also affect the environment, the ecosystem, and all the living and non-living entities on these planets, including our beloved Mother Earth. Though developed in an ancient era, the concepts of Indian Astrology, Vedic tradition, and Jyotish Shastra (the art and science of future prediction) have found a renewed acceptance amidst the modern generation because science has proven the mutual effects of the Sun, Planets, and natural satellites through gravitational and other forces. inspiration—an endeavour to make authentic, personalized astrology accessible to a global audience. You have emerged as one of India's most promising Astrologers. Could you share the guiding philosophy that has propelled your success? The guiding philosophy that has driven my success is rooted in authenticity, empathy, and a deep respect for Vedic traditions. From the beginning, I believed that astrology should serve as a compassionate tool for clarity and empowerment. Every consultation I undertake at Jyotish Ratan Kendra is grounded in ethical practices, ensuring clients receive transparent and honest guidance tailored to their unique needs. This commitment to integrity, combined with continuous learning and adapting to modern demands, has allowed me to maintain credibility and trust. My goal has always been to make astrology a bridge between ancient wisdom and contemporary life challenges. Much of this popularity is also due to some of India’s best astrologers, like Pandit Sarvadanand Sharma, a Vedic Astrologer with 45+ years of experience and the Founder of . Jyotish Ratan Kendra Pt. Sarvadanand Sharma, a celebrity in the field of astrology, has a profound experience in Vedic Astrology, Numerology, and Vastu Shastra. With a track record of guiding over 1,00,000 clients, he has provided accurate astrological remedies and helped countless individuals overcome life's challenges. The fortune-telling landscape is continually evolving. How do you ensure that you remain adaptable and ahead of industry trends while providing innovative solutions to your clients? Illuminating lives, one insight at a time, Pt. Sarvadanand Sharma shines as the crown jewel of astrological wisdom, serving clients across the globe, including the USA, Canada, Australia, India, UAE, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and beyond. “With years of experience, we delve deep into the celestial tapestry to provide accurate and insightful guidance. We understand the complexities of human life and offer tailored solutions to help you navigate challenges and seize opportunities,” says Pt. Sharma in an exclusive interview with CIOLook India, the highlights of which are given herein. Staying adaptable in the ever-evolving landscape of fortune-telling requires a commitment to continuous learning and embracing modern technological advancements. At Jyotish Ratan Kendra, I ensure we stay ahead of industry trends by monitoring client needs and the rising demand for personalized and digital consultations. We prioritize enhancing our digital platforms for seamless, user-friendly booking and interaction, integrating live video sessions and accessible online pujas. By blending traditional Jyotish knowledge with modern tools, we offer tailored guidance that resonates with today's audience. Furthermore, we welcome client feedback to refine our services, ensuring our solutions remain relevant, innovative, and impactful globally. As a luminary in the astrological world, could you take us back to the beginning of your journey? What motivated you to step into your field? Your visionary leadership style is often recognized as an inspirational force behind your achievements. Could you explain your approach to fortune-telling and client satisfaction? My journey in the astrological world is deeply rooted in family tradition and a passion for helping others. From a young age, I was inspired by my father and grandfather, both esteemed astrologers who instilled in me a profound respect for the wisdom of Jyotish Shastra. Growing up surrounded by their dedication, I felt a natural calling towards this path. The realization of astrology's transformative power in guiding individuals through life's challenges motivated me to pursue this field seriously. Founding Jyotish Ratan Kendra was the culmination of this My approach to fortune-telling and client satisfaction centres on authenticity, empathy, and individualized care. I view astrology not merely as a predictive tool but as a means to empower clients with clarity and confidence in their life decisions. I strive to create an environment where clients feel truly heard and understood, building trust 23 | www.ciolookindia.com December, 2024

26. through transparent and ethical practices. At Jyotish Ratan Kendra, my team and I emphasize tailored guidance, ensuring each consultation reflects the unique context of the client's life. This personalized approach, combined with precise, practical remedies, supports client satisfaction and fosters lasting relationships. By integrating traditional Vedic principles with modern technology, we deliver accurate and effective solutions that resonate with clients worldwide, demonstrating a commitment to their well-being and peace of mind. What sets our offerings apart in this competitive landscape is our unwavering commitment to authenticity, ethics, and personalization. Each service is tailored to the unique challenges and aspirations of the individual, ensuring guidance that resonates on a personal level. We uphold the integrity of Vedic traditions while embracing modern technology, allowing clients worldwide to benefit from seamless digital consultations and timely support across time zones. Our dedication to ethical practices and transparency fosters trust, enabling us to maintain credibility in an era saturated with misinformation. Please brief our audience about your firm, its USPs, and how you are currently positioned as the Best Astrologer. Inspired by generations of astrologers in my family, I Co-founded this firm to make genuine guidance accessible to people around the globe. Our USP lies in our dedication to ethics, precise and tailored remedies, and lab-certified, astrologically activated gemstones. We provide a wide range of services—from marriage and career consultations to online pujas and Kundli matching—always prioritizing client needs. Our lab-certified gemstones, for instance, are meticulously activated through rituals to enhance their positive influence—a practice few competitors uphold with such rigour. This attention to detail and respect for tradition, combined with innovative, client-centric solutions, has earned us recognition as a leader in astrology, making Jyotish Ratan Kendra a trusted name globally. What professional qualities and values do you think your clients admire in you the most? What sets us apart is our ability to blend ancient knowledge with modern technology, making our services available 24/7 to an international audience. This ensures our clients receive uninterrupted support and meaningful, personalized insights, no matter where they are located in the whole world. I believe in fostering trust and transparency with each consultation, which has earned Jyotish Ratan Kendra recognition as a leading name in astrology, including accolades such as Best Global Astrologer, Top Astrologer in India, etc. Our mission is to offer clarity and empowerment, allowing clients to navigate life's challenges with confidence and peace. Clients often express their admiration for my deep-rooted astrology science knowledge & commitment to authenticity and integrity. These values form the cornerstone of every consultation at Jyotish Ratan Kendra, ensuring that our guidance is both transparent and honest. My dedication to truly understanding each client’s unique journey and tailoring personalized solutions resonates deeply with those seeking genuine astrological support. Clients also appreciate my empathetic approach and the way I maintain a human connection, even in a digital age. This personal touch makes them feel heard and valued. Additionally, my relentless pursuit of continuous learning and adapting to modern tools demonstrates a commitment to staying ahead, which helps clients trust that they are receiving the most relevant and effective guidance. Tell us more about your offerings and what aspects make them stand out in the cutthroat competition. At Jyotish Ratan Kendra, we offer a wide array of services designed to address the multifaceted needs of our global clients. These include consultations for marriage, career, business, relationships, and health, as well as Kundli matching, horoscope readings, and specialized online pujas with real-time participation. Additionally, we provide recommendations for Rudraksh and lab-certified gemstones, which are not only chosen with precision but undergo an astrological activation ritual to maximize their efficacy before reaching clients. Considering the current industry scenario, what kind of challenges do you face, and how do you drive your company to overcome them? In the current industry scenario, one of the biggest challenges we face at Jyotish Ratan Kendra is maintaining credibility amidst the flood of misinformation in the digital realm. The online space is saturated with content, not all of which is reliable or ethical, making it difficult for clients to discern genuine guidance from misleading sources. 24 | www.ciolookindia.com December, 2024

27. To address this, we adhere strictly to ethical practices, ensuring that our consultations are transparent, trustworthy, and rooted in true Vedic principles. Continuous learning and staying updated with both traditional knowledge and modern developments are key strategies we employ to maintain our authority and reliability. Another challenge is expanding our global reach while preserving the personalized touch that clients value. To overcome this, we have invested in enhancing our digital platforms for seamless, user-friendly consultations that bridge the distance between our team and clients across the world. We provide 24/7 support to cater to varying time zones and have adopted live video sessions and remote pujas to keep the spiritual essence intact, no matter where the client resides. By combining these elements, we not only tackle industry challenges but also continue to offer services that meet and exceed our clients’ expectations, reinforcing our position as a trusted global leader in astrology. “ How does Jyotish Ratan Kendra cater to clients of diverse cultural backgrounds? At Jyotish Ratan Kendra, we honour the diversity of all who seek our guidance, recognizing that each individual is unique, like stars in the vast sky. We tailor our astrological readings and gemstone recommendations by understanding each client’s background, beliefs, and life experiences, ensuring they feel seen and respected. For those from different traditions, we take great care in explaining the tenets of Vedic astrology, making it relatable and meaningful. Our rituals, mantras, and practices are inclusive and conducted with empathy and reverence, creating trust and clarity. “ Just as the moon a?fects the tides and the sun gives us energy, the universe in?luences us in ways that we may not always see or understand. How has client feedback shaped Jyotish Ratan Kendra’s services? The adjustments and improvements have made our approach more client-centric, improving both the quality and impact of our guidance. Client feedback has been central to shaping the services at Jyotish Ratan Kendra. Over time, listening to clients' experiences, suggestions, and constructive input has guided the evolution of our offerings. These feedbacks have enabled us to adapt traditional Vedic practices to align better with the needs of today’s clients, ensuring our services are both relevant and effective. For instance, our consultations have become more personalized and interactive, allowing for deeper discussions and clearer understanding. We’ve refined the way we recommend gemstones and provide horoscope readings, making them more precise and tailored to individual concerns. What message would you like to give to the people who are sceptical about Astrology even today? To those who are unsure about astrology, I would like to say that it is more than just belief; it is an ancient practice that connects the movements of the stars and planets to our lives. Just as the Moon affects the tides and the Sun gives us energy, the universe influences us in ways that we may not always see or understand. Astrology is like a guide that can help us understand life's patterns and challenges. 25 | www.ciolookindia.com December, 2024

28. CULTIVATING A CULTURE OF INNOVATION lastic surgery has always been associated with P practices accelerated the male aesthetic treatments because the new male beauty standards have shifted in the country. feminism, but Indian males have become more recent enthusiasts of beauty enhancement. These self-care Many of the factors responsible for the recent upsurge in plastic surgery in males of Indian origin can be summarized below. 1. Shifting Masculinity Norms Transforming Beauty Trends: Traditionally, in the Indian context, masculine values have traditionally rested more on hardness, solidity, and silence than on one's personal appearance and grooming. Nowadays, men are adopting a broader view of masculinity that includes self-care and personal grooming. 26 | www.ciolookindia.com December, 2024

29. U N L E A S H I N G E M P L O Y E E C R E A T I V I T Y Global Media Trend: Global media, including Western media, Bollywood, and social media influencers, have created a more refined and groomed ideal male image. For most men, aesthetic treatments are now a way of staying up to speed with this global image and getting a better male self-image. Rhinoplasty and Facelifts: Nose jobs, or rhinoplasty, are also popular with men desiring the sharpened definition of facial features. As the awareness concerning aesthetic facial features expands, most men look forward to perfecting their bony jawline or giving their faces a smooth, youthful glow. 2. Impact of Social Media Advances in Technology and Expertise Curated Online Images: Social media, including Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube, greatly influence public perception of beauty. Assisted by selfies and ‘likes,’ increasing numbers of men are seeking plastic surgery to retain a youthful or attractive appearance. Advanced Surgical Techniques: Plastic surgery has given new proportions and has become safer, less complex, and much more effective. Other minimally invasive procedures that are meant to help women also seem to be filtering through to the men as well today. Male influencers and celebrities, proudly talking about their cosmetic enhancements, have made cosmetic surgery for men somewhat a norm. As such, celebrities who are involved in the entertainment industry, including actors, athletes, and models have been promoting grooming treatments to reduce stigma. Expert Surgeons in India: There are increasingly many expert plastic surgeons the country is producing who have been trained and recognized globally. The teachers and other doctors of medical colleges in India are getting expertise in the stream of Cosmetic as well as Reconstructive surgeries. 3. Increasing Middle-Class Wealth Shifting Cultural Norms This increases disposable income, as the middle class in India is expanding to include more men who can afford what were once luxury aesthetic services. Cosmetic surgeries, which in themselves encompass hair transplants and body contouring, are accessible to a greater portion of people than ever before. Acceptance of Aesthetic Procedures: Prior to this, aesthetic operations were a stigmatized endeavour, usually regarded as indulgence or vanity. However, given the evolution of perceptions, aesthetic procedures are gaining acceptance as a valid means of self-improvement. Cost-effective procedures: Plastic surgery is very affordable in India compared to Western countries. The country also boasts a high preference in terms of its booming medical tourism industry, bringing in many patients from other countries seeking high-quality but much more low-priced treatments. Empowerment through Personal Choice: For many men, this is a way of feeling empowered or confident about their looks. As gender norms are getting relaxed and as self- expression becomes more inclusive, more men are comfortable investing in their looks. Conclusion Popular Procedures Among Men This spurt of plastic surgery in Indian men is part of a larger cultural shift toward something more than merely redefining beauty standards and embracing of self-care. As societal standards change and cosmetic treatments become not only more accessible and socially accepted but also as men look to feel more confident in their own skin, they tend to take the plunge for aesthetic treatments. This trend does not just reflect the changes in individual attitudes but calls for a broader transformation in the perception of beauty and masculinity within Indian society. Hair Transplants: Counting among the most in-demand procedures, hair restoration treatments address problems like receding hairlines and thinning hair. Male pattern baldness is common and any man will admit going for a transplant in order to be confident again. Gynecomastia Surgery (Male Breast Reduction): This procedure focuses on male breasts that have become enlarged, a problem referred to as gynecomastia. This surgery is selected by many men who develop mild feelings of dysmorphia about their bodies to eliminate the feminine look on their chest. 27 | www.ciolookindia.com December, 2024

31. Whether you think you can, or think you can’t – you’re right. - Henry Ford